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We're excited to have you join us on this adventure. Begin the recruitment process to become a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon today!
start the recruitment process todayMission
Our mission at Sigma Alpha Epsilon is to create True Gentlemen out of our young, fresh initiates.
This is done through their introduction into an environment that emphasizes honesty, ambition, scholarship, and accountability. This environment fosters the development of social and professional skills that will greatly benefit them in their lives after graduation.
The fraternity serves as one of the greatest resources a university campus has to offer. The leadership experience and social skills learned within the walls of the chapter house simply cannot be matched by any other organization.
Membership is for life. The men at Sigma Alpha Epsilon learn the value of hard work, collaboration, and brotherhood. You will be hard pressed to find greater lasting friendships than the ones formed within the fraternity. These brothers will be at your wedding, and they will carry your casket.
Philosophy
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s creed is “The True Gentleman“
“The True Gentleman is the man whose conduct proceeds from good will and an acute sense of propriety, and whose self-control is equal to all emergencies; who does not make the poor man conscious of his poverty, the obscure man of his obscurity, or any man of his inferiority or deformity; who is himself humbled if necessity compels him to humble another; who does not flatter wealth, cringe before power, or boast of his own possessions or achievements; who speaks with frankness but always with sincerity and sympathy; whose deed follows his word; who thinks of the rights and feelings of others, rather than his own; and who appears well in any company, a man with whom honor is sacred and virtue safe.“
– John Walter Wayland
SAEs strive to adhere to this creed. It is committed to memory by all members. Taken seriously, it serves as a guide to living a fulfilling and honorable life.
President’s Letter
Welcome to the Washington Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon!
College is not only a place to obtain a degree and move on to the professional world, but also a place to develop lifelong relationships. The defining feature of college is its community. Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been fostering community and brotherhood at the University of Washington since 1906. Walking around the House, you find yourself surrounded by Brothers that encourage you, challenge you, and help you succeed in all facets of life. Brothers of SAE are True Gentlemen living each day to its fullest.
My name is Jack Schlenger, and I am the President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. I’m from Edmonds, WA, and majoring in Environmental Engineering. I joined the chapter a little over two years ago during the 2021- 2022 school year. What I saw was a welcoming group of friends who are motivated to excel both inside and outside of the classroom.
At SAE we have four core values: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Friendship.
Scholarship is an integral part of being a member at SAE, and we have an incredible network of undergraduates and Alumni supporting our success in our college years and beyond. Last Spring, we nearly obtained an average chapter GPA of 3.5. Our commitment remains to be the best students and young professionals we can possibly be.
Service and philanthropy are an extremely important aspect of being in SAE. Our national philanthropy is Children’s Miracle Network, which allows us to fundraise Seattle Children’s Hospital year-round. This fall, we held our annual Haunted House where we raised over $1200 in a single night, with other philanthropic events happening throughout the school year.
Leadership is cultivated throughout the entirety of our membership experience. In SAE, we have many leadership positions both at a chapter and national level, which will develop the skill sets to become an effective leader later in life. Our alumni network is extensive and reaches across the country, allowing for a smooth and supported transition from undergraduate studies to a professional career.
Friendship is the most important part of our fraternity! The bonds that I have made in my two and a half years will last a lifetime. Brotherhood is an emphasis of our membership experience, and I can confidently say the bonds created here can survive time, distance, or turmoil.
Whether you are a parent or student, we are so happy to have the opportunity to share a little more about our organization! Please do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, and I look forward to getting to know you!
Sincerely,
Jack Schlenger, Chapter President
History
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded on March 9th, 1856 at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Since its founding in the Antebellum South, it has spread voraciously to all regions of the country, and has since initiated over 325,000 members. By this metric, it is the largest fraternity in the United States. On almost every major college campus in the United States, a chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon can be found.
Our House
The Washington Alpha chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded May 30th, 1906. It has since enjoyed a long and illustrious stay on 17th avenue outside of the UW. SAE at the UW has never had its charter revoked for any reason.
The chapter house received a major expansion in the 1960s, with a massive addition being added onto the north side of the house.
Philanthropy
One of the great benefits of being a member of the Greek community is the chance to become involved in a great number of philanthropic events held throughout the year. Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Washington holds its own Feed the Lions philanthropy each year, where money is raised through competition, and donated to the Make a Wish Foundation and the Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The members of SAE not only participate in the chapter’s own philanthropy, but are involved in multiple philanthropic efforts each quarter, with the result of thousands of dollars being donated to charities of all types.
The Washington Alpha chapter of SAE also has a very close relationship with Seattle Children’s Hospital and the nearby Bryant Elementary School, where many members offer themselves to tutor young children in math, reading, and writing.[/column]
