A Word from President Charlie Orlinsky
Sigma Phi Epsilon NY Phi has once again had a stellar year. In the Fall semester, we had a very strong recruiting class, consisting of 10 new freshmen from the class of 2022. These freshmen, along with the rest of their sigma class, quickly became some of our most esteemed and dedicated members, improving our chapter in various vital ways. It seems as though every time I enter the house, there is a group of freshman relaxing on the first floor. Going into the spring semester, they helped us demonstrate the strength and passion of our chapter, which was vital to the success of our spring recruitment.
Albeit a smaller class than the fall with 11 new brothers, our Spring 2019 class is a group of excellent young men who meet the high standards of our brotherhood, and we have been proud to welcome them all into our chapter. Our success with recruitment is both satisfying and unsurprising, as SigEp remains the top chapter on the Columbia University campus. It is always important to remember and hold fast to our key pillars, Virtue, Diligence, and Brotherly Love, and looking back over the year, it is clear that such pillars remain strong guiding forces in the lives of our members.
Once again, we ended the academic year with an exceptional average GPA of 3.69 that is above the Dean’s List requirement. We participated enthusiastically in a variety of philanthropic events on campus, highlighted by an outstanding performance in DG’s anchor splash in which our brothers finished in 2nd place. Furthermore, we are currently taking BMF applications from those around campus as we anticipate yet another impactful BMF service project that we will present on March 29th. We were also able to have a supremely popular social calendar throughout the Fall, culminating in our annual Homecoming event. In general, our various events were fun and smooth, without any major social hearings or punishments that would lower the high standing of our chapter. Additionally, our brotherhood events became more diverse, including Whiskey Tastings downtown, Knicks games, and indoor skydiving. With our brethren participating consistently in this balance of hard work, service, and brotherly fun, it is clear that they led lives on campus this semester which strongly represented what SigEp stands for.
Most importantly, SigEp exists as a positive influence on campus, both for members and nonmembers alike. It is a place for our brothers to spend their time, destress from the highly competitive and rigorous academic environment of Columbia, and go to for support from their brothers, in the form of personal advice, academic or career help, or simply emotional support and friendship during difficult periods. Outwardly, SigEp continues to exist on Columbia’s campus as a chapter that is trusted, well-regarded, and respected, and it is thanks to the character and values of our members that this continues to be the case. Looking ahead to the new semester, we’re excited for our brownstone to become even more of a hub for our members. This past semester, we also invested in a new TV, couch and table for the first floor, making the house even more hospitable for brothers to come hang out. With these improvements, NY Phi looks to continually foster our strong sense of community, care, and support in the midst of an often incredibly stressful school.
I would like to personally thank all of the past brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon NY Phi and specifically the founders of the chapter who worked hard to make the chapter what it is today. SigEp has certainly been a big part of my life, and I am sure it has for you as well. In running for President, I ran mainly because I felt like the chapter had given a lot to me and I wanted to give back to the chapter. Lastly, thank you to the combined work of our alumni, brothers, AVC, and executive board, Sigma Phi Epsilon continues to thrive, and will continue to do so as we head into another academic year.
Sincerely, President Charlie Orlinsky