This June I had the pleasure of attending the Frank J. Ruck Leadership Institute. There, I got to explore the university of Richmond (where SigEp was founded!) and participate in a high ropes course, tour SigEp’s headquarters, and the Zollinger house. Most importantly, though, I connected with brothers – both peers and alumni – from across the country, exchanging our ideas and motivation for how to impact our chapters, our campuses, and our communities. It was an immensely rewarding experience that left me excited for the upcoming school year.

Upon arriving at the University of Richmond, we were divided into teams, with each team being given two alumni facilitators. These facilitators were among SigEp’s most successful and inspiring alumni, and provided us with a unique opportunity to learn from their ample experience. Their guidance through the program provided an immensely positive force, allowing us to see beyond our own experiences in college and examine how the leadership practices we discussed could be used throughout one’s life.

As much as I learned from the facilitators, though, I learned at least as much from my peers. Much of the program’s focus was on group discussions and connections with our teams, and I could not have asked to be grouped with better people. The brothers on my team came from across the country – from Idaho Beta at Boise State University, all the way to Pennsylvania Beta Beta at Drexel University, and everywhere in between. Each and every brother was inspiring, loving, and uniquely motivated to be a powerful force for good for all those around them.

While there were many exemplary leadership practices I learned and a lot of ideas I hope to implement here at Montana Beta and in my personal life, I can confidently say that the most important thing I learned in my time at Ruck was that this brotherhood extends far beyond our lodge, our campus, or even our time in college. The same brotherly love we see in Montana was thriving at Ruck. The connections I formed there – in just 5 short days – were lasting, loving, and powerful. I hope you all get the opportunity to see it firsthand, and encourage you to apply to Ruck.