Rho and Phi Chapters Honored for Outstanding Scholarship
At its 2009 Laurel Wreath Luncheon, the North-American Interfraternity Conference recognized undergraduate chapters which ranked first on their campus academically and whose GPA is at least 50 basis points above the all-men’s GPA. Sigma Alpha Mu’s Rho chapter at the University of Illinois and Phi chapter at Washington University were among the thirty-five chapters recognized for exemplary academic achievement.
“Sigma Alpha Mu is proud of the academic success of Rho and Phi chapters; the Fraternity places a top priority on academic achievement,” said Supreme Prior Phillip I. Glauben.
Scholarships For New Initiates
All candidates that achieve a 3.75/4.0 grade point average (or 
equivalent) for courses taken in the academic term during which they were candidates will be recognized as members of the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation’s Young Scholars Program. Young Scholars will receive recognition and a Foundation check in the amount of $200. (Eligibility of charter members or “re-charter” members is based on the term in which initiation takes place.)
If the candidate has the required GPA, is a full-time student at the chapter’s host institution, and is in good standing, he should send an official academic transcript to:
Young Scholars Program
Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation
9245 N. Meridian St., #105
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Please make sure to enclose a note that the transcript is for the Young Scholars Program. The check and certificate will be sent following initiation and completion of the semester or quarter.
NOTE: For fratres from schools that give extra credit for A+ (such as 4.33), the average may be distorted; therefore, the applicant with A-plusses should recalculate his average without the additional .33 (or other credit for the A-plusses) in order to qualify.
This program is funded through the generosity of Past Supreme Prior Sidney Guller, a key supporter of the Foundation.
Foundation Funded Programs
Alumni contributions to the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation’s Annual Appeal help fund many worthwhile projects. These voluntary gifts support:
The Sigma Alpha Mu Leadership Conference: Each summer chapter members gather in August for a Wednesday to Sunday leadership school. Topics covered include: scholarship, men’s health, citizenship, professional development and management skills. Thousands of students have “graduated” from this program.
Chapter Leaders Days: One day regional leadership conferences are held in the fall to train chapter officers in a wide range of leadership and management skills.
Educational Leadership Consultants: Educational Leadership Consultants are Fraternity staff members who visit SAM Chapters. Each visit includes programs on scholarship, leadership and risk awareness.
Director of Educational Programs: This new position will be funded by a grant from the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation. The position will coordinate educational programming, develop leadership programs and deliver seminars at educational conferences, chapter meetings and campus conferences.
The Developing Leaders Initiative: Thanks to a grant from the Circle of Service Foundation of Chicago, the ΣΑΜ Foundation is unveiling a new program for preparation of undergraduate leaders. It is called the Developing Leaders Initiative (DLI). Its purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of the international Leadership Conferences, for which DLI leaders will serve as the Leadership Assistants. Prerequisite for selection of these young men is leadership in their chapter, on campus or in the general community and other special qualifications. The Developing Leaders Initiative objectives have been suggested by the aims of the Circle of Service Foundation and the ΣΑΜ Foundation. They are these:
* Teach participants about community activity after college.
* Inform about post-college SAM involvement.
* Develop future leaders of the North American Jewish community.
* Instruct on SAM governance, strategic policy, and presentation of the Foundation’s educational programming.
* Advise on volunteerism, boards, philanthropy.
* Sharpen facilitation and leadership skills.
Grants to attend educational/leadership programs: The Foundation supports grants to undergraduate members to attend educational and leadership programs sponsored by other organizations. Examples include the Undergraduate Infraternity Institute, Hillel Leadership Conferences, and other national and regional programs. For information on these grants please contact the Fraternity’s Director of Educational Programs or a Field Representative.
If you have questions about how you can further support these programs or participate in the development of new initiatives, please contact the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation.