Vicky Smith
Managing Editor
@pinkwritinglady
Two members of the Cameron University social fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma are the recipients of the first ever $250 Sigma Tau Gamma Book Scholarship. The recipients, selected from over 100 applicants, were Tyler Williams and Nathaniel Stewart.
Freshman mechanical engineering major Joved Serrano, the chapter president, said the chapter received funds for the scholarship from Sigma Tau Gamma’s national headquarters in Missouri.
Serrano said he received feedback from the fraternity’s CEO Steve Latour, who said it would be beneficial for the CU chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma to give back to the university. A scholarship would do just that while raising awareness for the fraternity.
The motto of Sigma Tau Gamma is to build a generation of noblemen, and in turn, the men can make a positive impact on Cameron University and the Lawton community.
Serrano, who joined the fraternity to enhance his college experience, said his participation in Sigma Tau Gamma has made his transition from high school to college much smoother.
“You have to be more independent here,” he said. “[Being in the fraternity] definitely motivates you to keep up with your homework. All the upperclassmen are here to help, too.”
When Serrano was in high school, he was the Battalion Command Sergeant Major in JROTC. He said he applies those acquired leadership skills to his current position as president of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Junior business management major Robert Champ, the safety and standards adviser for the active chapter and president of the alumni association, said in addition to gaining the skills and courtesies of noblemen, members of the fraternity learn how to give back to the community.
“Each semester, they do about 500 hours of volunteer service,” Champ said, “and that’s normally just between eight to ten guys. Each of the guys put in a lot of extra work each semester.”
According to Champ, one major volunteer project on the agenda for the fraternity members is the Polar Plunge. Last year, they raised $801 for local charities at the event.
“This fall, we’re actually going to be starting our Polar Plunge drive a little early,” Champ said. “Starting in September, we’re going to start receiving donations to raise money for the Polar Plunge, which goes for Special Olympics in Southwest Oklahoma.”
Sigma Tau Gamma also hosted an informational for interested students, on Sept. 9 in the Buddy Green Room.
At the informational, students listened to Chapter President Serrano discussed the formal aspects of the program, including academic, financial and volunteer service requirements.
For more information about Sigma Tau Gamma and the purpose of the fraternity, visit their Facebook page or go to http://sigmataugamma.org/.