Over the summer, more than ten Missouri Eta SigEps took a trip to Denver, Colorado to participate in the 57th Grand Chapter Conclave. Conclave brings together undergraduate and alumni brothers from across the country to recognize high achievement, inspire continued success and leave a legacy on the national organization. Attendees participate in personal and professional development activities and honor those who have helped to make the Fraternity great by bestowing its most important undergraduate and alumni awards. Filled with memories of the past, countless awards and good times, Missouri Eta definitely made this trip one for the history books.
2021 Buchanan Cup Recipient
The Buchanan Cup recognizes the highest performing chapters, the best-of-the-best SigEp chapters. Chapters are measured in relation to the accomplishments of their peers on campuses across the country. Only the chapters that excels in every area of operations and further the Grand Chapter’s priorities qualify for this high honor.
Led by then-undergraduate Presidents Chris Krickhahn and Colin Loyet, Missouri Eta was awarded our 7th Buchanan “Buc” Cup. Missouri Eta is one of the best student organizations on their campus. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, every chapter officer has a mentor, and biannual transition retreats connect undergraduate leaders and alumni. Their chapter home has two conference rooms and multiple dedicated spaces that brothers can use to study and connect, and their chapter GPA is over 3.5. With 85 percent of new members coming from the Balanced Man Scholarship over the last two years, the chapter has grown by nearly 50 percent to a manpower of nearly 150. They won nearly all chapter awards in 2019, including Chapter of the Year, and last year they were one of 5 student organizations — and the only Greek chapter — to receive an award for excellence in all areas.
With visions set on our future, the undergraduate chapter appreciates the recognition but has set its sight on establishing tradition at Missouri State with new leaders, Marcos Alveraz ’19 and company paving the way for future success
Order of the Golden Heart – Mike Duggan ’74
Duggan’s promise as a leader was evident early on when he was elected to serve on the Interfraternity Council as a freshman. That promise was further realized when he became a student member of SigEp’s National Board of Directors. He embarked on his journey as a volunteer immediately after graduating and has been actively engaged with his home chapter for more than 40 years. Intent on bringing the chapter back after losing its charter, Duggan took on the role of alumni and volunteer corporation president. His passion soon had other alumni believing the chapter could return stronger than ever. When it did return, he recruited additional volunteers to support the chapter. An early proponent of the Balanced Man Program, he served as balanced man steward for several years before leading a campaign to build a new chapter home. That effort has resulted in a top-notch facility that supports brothers’ academic, personal and professional growth. “You live out SigEp ideals every day of your life,” said Past Grand President Chris Bittman, Colorado ’85. “Brother, today we say thank you for your 50 years of service to Sigma Phi Epsilon. We consider it an honor and a privilege to call you our brother. We will strive to be worthy of your dedication.”
Clayton-Doud Award – Mike Duggan ’74
In February 2021, SigEp hero, past Grand President and Order of the Golden Heart recipient John Hartman, Missouri ’61, suffered a stroke. In his time of need, two brothers and dear friends stepped in to aid him — Mike Duggan, Missouri State ’74, and Zar Toolan, Columbia ’01. Week by week, every step of the way, Duggan and Toolan worked with the doctors, therapists, social workers and care facilities to help John as he regained his capacity.
The brotherly love that Mike and Zar share for John stretches back decades and spans generations. Through the years, they’ve shared family events and holidays together, started SigEp chapters, mentored countless undergraduates in Missouri and facilitated the Ruck Leadership Institute.
At the 2021 Brotherhood Luncheon, the Clayton-Doud Award was presented to Mike and Zar in acknowledgment of their ongoing love and support of Brother Hartman during his recovery.
Exemplary Service Award – Keith Boatright, Tennessee-Martin ’98
The Exemplary Service Award (ESA) is an honor presented to volunteers who’ve made a significant impact on SigEp for 20 years or more. In typical years, the ESA is bestowed at the Carlson Leadership Academy in the spring, but due to the pandemic, the award was presented virtually, enabling more brothers to join in celebrating the recipients. At the 57th Grand Chapter Conclave, Keith Boatright, Tennessee-Martin ’98, received the award during the Board of Governors reception for their decades-long impact.
Keith knows what it takes to build an award-winning chapter. Not only does he facilitate two chapter retreats each year, he also sets high standards for chapter leaders. Since he began serving as chapter counselor in 2013, the chapter has consistently held a GPA above 3.0. It’s won two Buchanan Cups and multiple campus awards.
Keith is also highly respected by the university staff. His strong relationship with the Fraternity and Sorority Life staff has resulted in buy-in to the Balanced Man Program across the entire Greek community. An invaluable asset to the AVC, he’s also personally recruited several active volunteers and advises them on the fundamentals of the BMP.
Other awards won:
Jake West ’16, C Maynard Turner Award