FRATERNITY'S SERVICE RECORD NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2000

Fairbanks, Alaska — The University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Alpha chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the first Greek social fraternity in the state, is racking up honors for its community service activities. With more than 250 chapters nationwide, the Alaska Alphas are ranked third in community service hours for the 1999-2000 academic year. The first- and second-place chapters, the University of Oklahoma and Washington University in Missouri, have roughly twice the number of members as UAF's Alaska Alpha chapter.

According to the U.S. government's assigned monetary value for volunteer service, UAF's chapter generated 4,098 hours, which exceeds $60,000 worth of service to the university and local community.

The chapter's service includes participation in the local Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kids Voting Alaska and Adopt-A-Highway programs, and they helped with holiday decorations for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Members also dedicate many hours to local volunteer fire departments.

According to Sig Ep's philanthropy chair Stacey Banks, who is also UAF's student body president, the chapter is well on its way to reaching 2,000 hours by the end of the fall semester on Dec. 21. The members hope to reach or exceed last year's total by the end of the current academic year, which concludes May 10, 2001.

The Alaska Alpha chapter was installed at UAF in 1992 and received its charter from the national organization in 1997. Its members, past and current, have excelled in other areas and have assumed leadership positions within the university and the community.

Project America, in conjunction with Sigma Phi Epsilon's national organization, produces a Community Service Report for the fraternity and other Greek organizations each year. Project America works with fraternities and sororities to create programs that encourage and empower their members to be lifelong supporters and leaders in community improvement, and to dispel the stereotypical "frat boy" image through dedication to community service.

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CONTACT: Sigma Phi Epsilon Philanthropy Chairman and ASUAF President Stacey Banks (907)-474-0717 or (907)-474-5896.

TS/TAS/12/14/00/01-37