Department: Voice of the ESA
Voice of the ESA: Fall 2009
Greetings and prosperity to our Order! I’m pleased to say in this annual report that the Fraternity is doing well. By whatever measure you use – chapter number, undergraduates initiated, finances or other metrics – we should all be proud of the state of this organization. These results cannot be credited to just one individual, because credit is due to each of us.
Despite these wonderful results, we cannot rest on our laurels. Much work is left to be done, especially in risk management. In just the first three months of the 2009-2010 academic year, we have seen a disturbing increase in acts of indiscretion that threaten our continued existence. I will not delve into details, but we have lost focus on risk-management policies. Hazing is still a problem. The Be the One initiative was meant to give credit to those who have made an impact on each of our lives. As we continue the Be the One message, I want to refocus that call-to-action on the area of risk management. Be the One to stand up and stop that brother from taking that extra drink that puts him over the edge. Be the One to stand up against those incidents during pledgeship that stray into the realm of hazing. Be the One to stand up to that alumnus who wants to “make the pledges earn respect” by using out-dated and illegal activities. We cannot continue to exist without such a change in our culture. Accordingly, the Fraternity has introduced the We Stand Together program, which spotlights those practices that negatively impact our organization. It stresses the ideals and principles of our Founders for our pledge programming as well as defining those areas we need to improve upon throughout our brotherhood experience.
As we go forward, let us celebrate our successes and be aware of all those areas where we can improve. It is my dream to have a fraternal experience free of those threats we see everyday resulting from risk-management violations. Brothers, that future is within your grasp. Reach out and assist me in making my goal a reality.
Phi Alpha,
Martin D. Wiglesworth (Centre ’84)
Eminent Supreme Archon
