Clay North of Missouri State University was recently selected for a one-of-a-kind study abroad program
to Greece through the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. The Tragos Quest to Greece program is a 10-day
journey with fellow undergraduate members of Sigma Phi Epsilon from across the country, accompanied
by alumni mentors and university faculty. The experience focuses on changing the way brothers view
the world, their Fraternity, and themselves through the study of how Greek philosophy, governance,
and the arts has and continues to influence everyday life. Quest Scholars receive an unprecedented and
unmatched experience in the fraternity world as they visit ancient historical sites such as Athens, Delphi,
Nauplion, Olympia and walk the same streets where the great minds of Socrates and Aristotle taught.
North was selected as one of 18 undergraduate members of the fraternity from a pool of over 13,000.
North, a senior from St. Louis, Missouri, is majoring in Finance with an emphasis in General and
Corporate Investments and maintains an impressive 3.96 GPA. He mentions he is ultimately shocked to
be included in such an impressive group within his fraternity. North has been involved since his arrival at
Missouri State in the fall of 2020. Initially serving as the Vice President of Programming and leading
Missouri Eta to raising over $150,000 in philanthropic fundraising for the 2021 year. He followed this up
serving as the Chapter President in 2022 and is now the Chief Financial Officer for the Student
Government Association.
He mentions “SigEp recognizes the need for young men to have a purpose in their lives. I am beyond
excited to join fellow brothers across the country in a 10-day extensive journey to Greece to better
understand my purpose.”
Each participant prepares for the trip by reading books and assorted selections as part of a curriculum
about ancient Greek philosophy and culture. During the Quest, scholars discuss the Socratic method of
teaching in the Agora where Socrates taught, hold athletic competitions in the original Olympic stadium
and study the fraternity’s ritual in Delphi after learning about the Mysteries of Eleusis. The learning
continues overseas with daily discussions based on scholarly readings and personal experiences.

Discussions are designed to challenge each scholar along his journey of introspection and
transformation.
“The program provides an opportunity for self-discovery,” said SigEp CEO Brain Warren. “It challenges
participants to see the world through a different lens and return to their respective campuses ready to
leave a lasting and positive legacy.”
The trip is funded by a grant from the SigEp Educational Foundation, which raises money for SigEp’s
various local and national leadership programs. This experience is made possible in part through the
generosity of SigEp alumnus William G. Tragos and his wife Lilli. Tragos is a co-founder of the TBWA
worldwide advertising agency and a former Grand Chapter President of the fraternity. Their endowment
will benefit SigEp and its brothers for years to come.
Sigma Phi Epsilon has outstanding leadership and development programs for the 13,000 undergraduates
on 200 campuses across the United States. Established in 1901, its mission is “Building Balanced Leaders
for the World’s Communities,” which is achieved through a continuous member development program
focused on academic achievement, healthy lifestyle choices and leadership development. The fraternity
currently maintains a 3.2 national GPA.