The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more from the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Engagement

Guests for this Episode

• Craig Frazier (Oklahoma State) - Chapter Advisor for the Gamma Beta Chapter at Northwestern University. Sigma Nu Fraternity's 2022 Chapter Advisor of the Year

Episode Mentions and References

• Becoming a Volunteer - Use this link to access more information about volunteering with the Fraternity. Check out the Alumni and Volunteer Resource Guide for in-depth information and contact Todd Dension, Director of Alumni Advisory Programs, if you have any questions or would like to get involved.
• Collegiate and Chapter Awards - Each year, Sigma Nu Fraternity recognizes chapter and individual achievements across a number of categories – merit awards, Alpha Alumni Chapter Affiliate recognition, LEAD, Pursuit of Excellence, Rock Chapter (only at Grand Chapters), scholarship, manpower, and community service & philanthropy. Awards recognize an individual's or chapter's accomplishments for the previous academic year, or, in some cases an individual's collegiate career.
• Alumni and Volunteer Awards - Each year, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. recognizes volunteer and professional advisors and alumni officers across a number of categories, including Campus Advisor of the Year, Division Commander of the Year, Chapter Advisor of the Year, Alumni Chapter Officer of the Year, and House Corporation Officer of the Year. Awards are announced each summer for the previous academic year and presented at conclaves – Grand Chapter or College of Chapters – to recognize an individual's service and dedication to The Legion of Honor.
• The Pursuit of Excellence Program - The Pursuit of Excellence Program (PEP) is Sigma Nu Fraternity’s chapter assessment, standards, and improvement program. Unlike traditional “minimum standards” programs, the Pursuit of Excellence Program is designed to be year-round planning, evaluation, and improvement program.
• Our Story: The Oral History Project of Sigma Nu Fraternity - The Fraternity has partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to help collect stories from our brothers. PCI will contact alumni via mailed postcard, phone, and email asking them to participate by updating their contact information and sharing their Sigma Nu experience. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates Sigma Nu's impact.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more from the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Engagement

Guests for this Episode

• Drew Logsdon (Western Kentucky) - Director of Communications, OmegaFi. Former Director of Communications for Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.

Episode Mentions and References

• LegFi Treasury - a new feature from OmegaFi that improves LegFi's fraternity and sorority customers' ability to manage and access their funds.
• Our Story: The Oral History Project of Sigma Nu Fraternity - The Fraternity has partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to help collect stories from our brothers. PCI will contact alumni via mailed postcard, phone, and email asking them to participate by updating their contact information and sharing their Sigma Nu experience. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates Sigma Nu's impact.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. It is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also, consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you would like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Mike Dilbeck (Texas Christian) - Professional Speaker, Educator, and Chapter Advisor for the Lambda Epsilon Chapter at Texas Christian University.

Episode Mentions and References

• Mike's Professional Website - Learn more about Mike's professional speaking and opportunities to bring him to your campus for a facilitated conversation on courage, dignity, or integrity.
• DignityU - The landing page for  information, resources, and guidance in implementing the DignityU curriculum.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. It is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also, consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you would like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Dr. Allan Mishra (Michigan) - Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine at Stanford University. He is a lecturer and health and wellness expert who focuses on vitality and living a vital life.

Episode Mentions and References

• Episode Opener
  • Change of Address Form - Have you recently moved or updated your contact information, including your email address or phone number? Consider updating your contact information with the Fraternity today to stay up to date on the latest news and information from the General Fraternity.
  • Welcome to the City Reception - The Fraternity is piloting a new program for Sigma Nus relocating to metro areas across the country. Targeted toward recent graduates, the series of receptions are planned to connect young and more established alumni to provide opportunities for networking and local brotherhood. Welcome to the City Receptions will be set up based on interest.
  • Refer a Prospective Member - Do you know a young man who would be an ideal candidate for the Fraternity? Consider submitting a membership referral.
• Interview
  • Alumni Profile - In August 2021, the Fraternity profiled Dr. Mishra. In the article titled, Michigan Alum Finds Secret to Optimal Live Through Vitality," you can learn more about Dr. Mishra's Sigma Nu experience and his passion for studying vitality.
  • Vitality Explorers - Check out this webpage to sign up for texts and helpful news delivered twice a week. You can also access a free chapter of Dr. Mishra's book, Vitality Essentials.
  • Vitality Explorers Substack - This substack has been created as a part of the Vitality Explorers program to deliver curated news and information on vitality.
  • Dare To Be Vital - This is the main hub for all Dare To Be Vital program information.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. It is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also, consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you would like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guests for this Episode

• Hunter Kidwell - Eminent Commander of the Lambda Gamma Chapter at Eastern Illinois University
• Anthony Nissen - Lieutenant Commander of the Lambda Gamma Chapter at Eastern Illinois University

Episode Mentions and References

• The Helping Hand Initiative - The Fraternity's effort to collectively draw our members toward servant leadership and increase awareness of the importance of making a positive impact within each member's local community.
• The Founders' Month of Service - A time of year dedicated to encouraging member engagement in service and philanthropy activities. April is dedicated as the Founders' Month of Service to coincide with April 1, the birthdate of founder Greenfield Quarles.
• Community Service Contribution Award - An annual award given out by the Fraternity that recognizes the chapter with the highest per man average of verifiable community service hours throughout the previous academic year.
• The Best Practices Library - Community Service and Philanthropy - The Best Practices Library contains resources curated across all Sigma Nu chapters to provide collegiate officers with ideas, resources, examples, etc., to help their chapter achieve Excellence.

Additional Resources

• Sigma Nu Institutes - The Sigma Nu Institute’s curriculum is designed to assist with the officer transition process and learning curve that accompanies taking on new chapter leadership positions. Both newly elected and mid-term officers benefit from the program through increased exposure to and education on the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully and effectively perform their duties.
• The Leadership Consultant Program - Each semester, the Fraternity provides personalized support for each collegiate chapter in the form of a dedicated leadership consultant to train and support collegiate chapter officers. Chapters can work with their leadership consultant to shape the consultation their chapter receives to best serve the chapter's needs and its officers. For example, the Community Service and Philanthropy Chairman, who is rarely a required officer meeting during a standard consultation, could be added to the consultant's schedule to ensure the officer receives valuable training and support.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Fred Dobry  - Director of Health and Safety for Sigma Nu Fraternity

Episode Mentions and References

• Harm Reduction Alliance - A health and safety partnership between Sigma Nu Fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity to provide educational resources  and support.
• #SafeSpringBreak - A link to the #SafeSpringBreak conversation on Twitter
• Educational Poster Series - A health and safety resource created by the Harm Reduction Alliance. The Alliance creates and distributed educational posters addressing a variety of student health and wellness topics, such as hazing prevention, alcohol consumption, and mental health.
• V-A-R (Validate, Appreciate, and Refer) - A new, national mental health campaign created in partnership with the Harm Reduction Alliance and Active Minds. 
• CommunityEdu - An online educational program that addresses alcohol use, hazing, sexual assault, and mental wellness. 
• Behind Happy Faces - A program offered in partnership with the Human Power Project. Behind Happy Faces is an educational curriculum designed to help members understand and develop the basic skills necessary to support positive mental health. 
• DignityU - A project created and produced by Brother Mike Dilbeck (Texas Christian), with support from expert consultant Dr. Donna Hicks, to provide needed education on the important topic of dignity. 
• GenerationRx - The Harm Reduction Alliance, in partnership with GenerationRx and the Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery, provided this educational resource to help prevent prescription drug misuse. 

Additional Resources

• Employment and Staff Hiring - If you are interested in learning more about working for the Fraternity as a consultant. Please visit the employment webpage for resources and access to the position application. The application deadlines are October 15 and March 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Dr. Dawn Wiese  - Higher Education Policy Expert, Former Vice President of Student Affairs, Research Consultant to the North-American Interfraternity Conference, Founder of the Plaid consulting firm.

Episode Mentions and References

• Full Video Recording - A link to the full video version of the webinar.
• Presentation Slides - Slides referenced during the webinar.
• Research Referenced (Listed in order of appearance):
  • Gregory, D. E., & Janosik, S. M. (2003). The effect of the Clery Act on campus judicial practices. Journal of College Student Development, 44(6), 763-778.
  • DeBard, R., & Sacks, C. (2011). Greek membership: The relationship with first-year academic performance. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 13(1), 109-126.
  • Asel, A. M., Seifert, T. A., & Pascarella, E. T. (2009). The effects of fraternity/sorority membership on college experiences and outcomes: A portrait of complexity. Oracle: The Research Journal of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. 4(2), 1-15. 
  • Hayek, J. C., Carini, R. M., O'Day, P. T., & Kuh, G. D. (2002). Triumph or tragedy: Comparing student engagement levels of members of Greek-letter organizations and other students.
  • Fournier, A. K., Ehrhart, I. J., Glindemann, K. E., & Geller, E. S. (2004). Intervening to decrease alcohol abuse at university parties: Differential reinforcement of intoxication level. Behavior modification, 28(2), 167-181.
  • Fraternities and Sororities: Experiences and Outcomes in College, Work, and Life; Gallup 2021
  • Pike, G. (March 2020). The Greek Experience Revisited: The Relationships between Fraternity/Sorority Membership and Student Engagement, Learning Outcomes, Grades, and Satisfaction with College.

Resources

• Value of Fraternity Webpage - sigmanu.org webpage, which provides current research and information on the value of the fraternity experience.
• Employment and Staff Hiring - If you are interested in learning more about working for the Fraternity as a consultant. Please visit the employment webpage for resources and access to the position application. The application deadlines are October 15 and March 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more about the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Scott Smith (Central Arkansas) - Director of Leadership Development for Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.

Episode Mentions and References

• College of Chapters Curriculum Models
  • Prior to 2010, the curriculum was based heavily on the Social Change Model and the Seven "Cs" of leadership.
  • From 2010 onward, the curriculum has been based on Simon Sinek's "The Golden Circle" and Kouzes & Posner's definition of leadership taken from The Leadership Challenge.
• Photos from the 2022 College of Chapters are now available on Flickr

Resources

• College of Chapters - College of Chapters is an intense, interactive program for our collegiate chapter and colony Commanders focusing on chapter management, leadership, and core competencies.
• Sigma Nu Institutes - The Sigma Nu Institute’s curriculum is designed to assist with the officer transition process and learning curve that accompanies taking on new positions of chapter leadership. Both newly elected and mid-term officers benefit from the program through increased exposure to, and education on, the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully and effectively perform their duties.
• The Strategic Plan of the Fraternity - The Strategic Plan is a guiding plan for the Fraternity, created by the High Council, for the current biennium. The Strategic Plan outlines the strategic imperatives and goals that will dictate the Fraternity's operations.
• Employment and Staff Hiring - If you are interested in learning more about working for the Fraternity as a consultant. Please visit the employment webpage for resources and access to the position application. The application deadlines are October 15 and March 1. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more from the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guest for this Episode

• Ben Kirby (Arkansas) - Author; Creator of Social Media Account PreachersNSneakers;

Episode Mentions and References

• PreachersNSneakers Accounts
  • Website
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Podcast
  • YouTube
  • Email - [email protected]
• If you are interested in purchasing Ben's book, PreachersNSneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities, you can do so at the hyperlink or wherever books are sold.

Resources

• College of Chapters - College of Chapters is an intense, interactive program for our collegiate chapter and colony Commanders focusing on chapter management, leadership, and core competencies.
• The Quarterly - The Quarterly is a new publication from the Fraternity, released quarterly, that acts as a digital digest of alumni and chapter news. Unsure whether you are receiving the Fraternity's latest communication? Use the Change of Address form to update your contact information with the General Fraternity.
• AmazonSmile - AmazonSmile is a way for Amazon customers to support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon, at no additional cost. Click the hyperlink for more information on how to set up AmazonSmile. Consider choosing the Sigma Nu Educational Foundation as your charity of choice to benefit the Fraternity every time you shop.

The Gavel Podcast is the official podcast of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc. and is dedicated to keeping you updated on the operations of the Legion of Honor and connecting you to stories from our brotherhood. 

To find out more from the Fraternity, you can always check out our website at www.sigmanu.org. Also consider following us on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr

Have feedback or a question about this episode? Want to submit an idea for a future topic you'd like to see covered? Contact the Gavel Podcast team at [email protected]. 

Hosts for this Episode

• Christopher Brenton (North Carolina State) - Director of Communications
• Adam Girtz (North Dakota State) - Director of Chapter Services

Guests for this Episode

• Robert B. Huffman (Western Kentucky) - Chapter Advisor for the Eta Rho Chapter at Western Kentucky University
• Robert F. Huffman  - Former Movember Foundation Staff Member, Community Service and Philanthropy Advisor for Iota Rho Colony at the College of Charleston

Episode Mentions and References

• Movember Foundation 
  • Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Testicular Cancer
• Septembeard

Resources

• "Know Thy Nuts" - Movember Guide for Self-Checks and Testicular Cancer Prevention
• "Nuts and Bolts" - Movember Guide for Testicular Cancer from Diagnosis to Treatment
• Prostate Cancer Prevention - Movember Guide for Prostate Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
• "True North" - Movember Guide for Prostate Cancer from Diagnosis to Treatment
• Mental Health - Movember Guide for Men's Mental Health
• "Spot the Signs" - Movember Guide for Talking with Men Who Might Be Struggling with Mental Health
• Suicide Prevention - Movember Guide for Suicide Prevention
• Behind Happy Faces - Program created by the Human Power Project and offered by Sigma Nu Fraternity to provide brothers with the skills and resources to support positive mental health. The Collegiate Member Program is designed for all collegiate members. The Advisor Resource Series is designed specifically for alumni volunteers and collegiate chapter officers.
• Mental Health Quick Takes - Developed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, this video series and accompanying discussion guides address mental health topics critical to successfully navigating times of unique challenges and mental distress.
• To speak with someone immediately, contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK), contact Lifeline Crisis Chat or contact National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on 800-950-6264 or Text NAMI to 741741.
• If you're ever worried that someone's life is in immediate danger, call 911 or go directly to emergency services.