Kip Barton had the opportunity to be on the 84th Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Leadership School faculty held from August 8-11, 2022, in Chicago. Below is his account of his experience.
It was an incredible event attended by over 400 undergraduate brothers, plus more than 50 national staff and chapter advisors from across the country.
Leadership School kicked off with a Model Initiation Ritual which brought back memories of my initiation in 1983. It was a great way to set the tone for what was to come. Day two did not disappoint! We started by taking everyone to a memorial service at the gravesite of Billy Levere.
We then headed to The Levere Memorial Temple (LMT) for a day of general sessions and small group meetings. We had the opportunity to tour the temple and finished the day by taking a large group photo outside.
I had a chance to see the new Minerva Statue and noticed some of the San Diego alums listed on the donor wall! Phi Alpha to those who contributed to this fundraiser. LMT is a unique and mystical place, and our continued support is crucial to keep it functioning and intact! To round out day two, we headed to Wrigley Field to take in a Cubs game.
It was a bucket list moment for me! Walking around Wrigley Field and the surrounding area was unique and memorable.
Day three started with a service project. We helped to build beds meant for children who otherwise would be sleeping on floors. The “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” organization serves cities across the country.
We then spent the day in general sessions and small group meetings. Day four began with a graduation and awards banquet and culminated with a stirring keynote speech about leadership by alumni brother Tom Healy. We packed a lot into these four days, but I felt it was productive, and the guys managed to have a lot of fun socializing and networking (sometimes into the wee hours of the night).
I am glad to report that Sigma Alpha Epsilon is thriving. I met a lot of young men who are great representatives at their college campuses across the country. I also met many alums who embody the creed of brotherhood for life. Leadership School was consistent in emphasizing the four pillars of Sigma Alpha Epsilon:
Friendship
Scholarship
Leadership
Service
I believe these young men walked away better and wiser than when they arrived just a few days earlier.
Thanks to your generous contributions to the San Diego Area Alumni Association, we were able to send three undergraduate brothers to leadership school this year. My goal is to do the same, if not more, next year! Your contributions are making a difference in these young men’s lives.
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