Every two years, SigEp chapters from around the nation gather to exchange what ideals make them successful chapters on their campus. A select few receive recognition for being top SigEp chapters in the nation.

On July 28th, Washington Alpha traveled to Denver, Colorado for SigEp conclave. For the past 3 conclaves, the chapter had been awarded a silver Buchanan Cup, awarded to select chapters across the nation who exemplify the fraternities values of balanced men.

A win at the 2021 conclave would be a 4th consecutive Buchanan Cup, putting the chapter one win away from a gold cup.

Various deciding factors are considered when chapters are selected to win a Buchanan Cup. Common considerations include a chapter’s grade point average, community involvement, campus involvement, philanthropy, individual member’s achievements, and more.

Buchanan Cups are only awarded to chapters that excel in all possible avenues, and the success of Washington Alpha has been in a combination of multiple areas.

Firstly, their chapter GPA has been the best on campus for semesters on end, commonly exceeding 3.5 as a chapter.

Next, their campus involvement has been stellar with 4 of 8 seats on the WSU interfraternity council occupied by SigEps, along with the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) President and Vice President positions being occupied by Junior Brian Patrick and Senior Alexander Pan, along with multiple SigEp ASWSU senators.

Community involvement has also been impactful for the chapter as they have been creative with ways to stay involved throughout the pandemic, such as serving at the weekly community meal in Moscow while abiding by COVID-19 guidelines.

Finally, individual involvement has been tremendous for the chapter as well. One prime example of this is Nick Fazio leading his brothers in the 4x4x48 challenge, a challenge that raises money for families of fallen Navy SEALs where brothers ran 48 miles in 48 hours.

Fazio, along with the brothers he ran with, raised an astonishing $15,000, allowing them to fund scholarships for the children of three fallen Navy SEALs.

The aforementioned achievements are only a few examples of what makes them a Buchanan Cup winning chapter.

Overall, the chapter knows that although they have been awarded their fourth consecutive award, they must continue to keep the standard for success set high in the chapter.

With a 4th consecutive Buchanan Cup in hand, the chapter now sets eyes on a gold Buchanan Cup, marking 5 Buchanan Cups in a row and a decade of excellence.